Borges, “Guayaquil” and the Shadow of the Caudillo (A History of Imprecisions, Silences and Davidic Choragi)

Abstract

The author examines “Guayaquil”, a short-story by Jorge Luis Borges included in Doctor Brodie’s Report, which tells the historical rendezvous between Bolívar and San Martín that took place in the city. Robles sheds light on Borges’ text through references to Joseph Conrad’s novel Nostromo, plotted with criollo elites and caudillos, their wanderings and betrayals. Robles claims that Borges depicts his own view of history in “Guayaquil”: a construction based on intertwining perspectives, rearranged pieces of information and imprecisions. In the quest for power, where popular caudillos as well as refined politicians are involved, Borges would believe a major role is played by will and decision as opposed to words. Finally, the author examines the effect of how stories are organized differently within the book. The first English version would show an increasing representation of barbarism (as theme), present in Latin American nations a century and a half after their independence.